Academic activities grounded to a halt across several Nigerian universities yesterday as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) began a two-week warning strike.
Affected schools include Federal University Dutse (Jigawa), University of Jos (Plateau), University of Benin (Edo), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), among others like University of Abuja and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
ASUU members protest non-conclusion of the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement, non-payment of 3½ months withheld salaries, demand 35% salary arrears, promotion arrears (over 4 years), and release of withheld cooperative deductions.
Govt Response
- Federal Govt directed Vice-Chancellors of federal institutions to enforce “no work, no pay” for striking lecturers via a circular by Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
- Alausa insists govt addressed ASUU demands: N50 billion allowances paid, issues resolved; urges ASUU to suspend strike.
- Govt says N50 billion released of N150 billion NEEDS Assessment Fund; rest to follow.
Other Reactions
- Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC): Gives FG two-week ultimatum to implement ASUU agreements; warns govt against “No Work, No Pay”.
- CONUA: Members shun strike, held lectures at University of Abuja; prefer dialogue over industrial action.
- Ex-VC Prof Idowu Olayinka faults FG’s repeated negotiation committees with ASUU; says approach ineffective, fuels brain drain.
Concerns
- Students fear strike might extend beyond two weeks; seen packing up in UI, UNILAG, BUK.
- NLC President Joe Ajaero: Strike reflects deeper societal inequality; warns on impact on public education.